Crime
Shamsud-Din Jabbar acted alone in New Orleans attack, FBI says
New Orleans, LA – Federal authorities have confirmed that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old suspect in the deadly New Year’s Day truck attack on Bourbon Street, likely acted alone.
In a press conference on Thursday, Deputy Assistant Christopher Raia of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division stated, “We do not assess at this point that anyone else is involved in this attack except for Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the subject you’ve already been briefed on.”
The announcement marks a significant shift from earlier statements made by Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan. Just 24 hours prior, Duncan suggested the possibility of additional suspects, saying, “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates.”
Initially, investigators pursued leads indicating that Jabbar might have had accomplices, particularly regarding the placement of improvised explosive devices separate from the truck used in the attack. However, after thorough investigation, the FBI has found no evidence to support those claims.
“In the immediate hours following the attack, our team worked diligently to investigate all possible connections,” said Raia. “While initial leads suggested the potential involvement of others, those leads have not borne out.”
Authorities continue to examine Jabbar’s background and actions leading up to the attack. The FBI has not ruled out the possibility of discovering indirect influences or radicalizing factors, but current evidence suggests Jabbar acted as a “lone wolf.”
Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia of the FBI Counterterrorism Division officially labeled the New Orleans attack an act of terrorism during a Wednesday news conference.
“This was premeditated and an evil act,” Raia stated, emphasizing the deliberate and malicious nature of the attack.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry highlighted the extensive efforts of law enforcement, noting that over 1,000 agents and officers have reviewed surveillance footage, conducted interviews, and pursued leads since the incident.
To support ongoing efforts, Gov. Landry issued an emergency declaration to streamline resources for state, local, and federal partners involved in the investigation.
Officials are expected to address additional details of the investigation and confirm Jabbar’s motivations during a subsequent press briefing.
The New Year’s Day tragedy unfolded early Thursday morning when Jabbar allegedly drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Initially described as a coordinated effort, the attack sent shockwaves through the city and prompted a large-scale federal investigation.
Despite the revised assessment, law enforcement officials emphasize that the investigation remains active. “We are committed to following every lead and ensuring the safety of our communities,” Raia assured.
In the meantime, the city of New Orleans continues to mourn the victims of the attack while seeking answers about how such a tragedy could occur. Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the FBI or local law enforcement.
The confirmation of Jabbar as a lone actor highlights the challenges of countering so-called “lone wolf” attacks, which often occur without advance warning or direct communication with others. The FBI has pledged to continue its work to identify any possible triggers or influences that led to this act of violence.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Emerald Pretty, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.